Homeowners and business owners with a security system that regularly creates false alarms and requires police response could soon pay a higher financial penalty.
During the March 22 executive committee meeting, city council voted unanimously on a recommendation to have city administration bring forward an updated alarm response bylaw to the next regular meeting for three readings and possible approval.
The purpose of the bylaw is to allow the continuation of the alarm response service, set the terms and conditions of the use of the service, and set the fees for the use of the service.
Background
Members of the Board of Police Commissioners discussed this issue during a meeting in September 2020. They then passed a motion recommending to council that the current registration fee increase to $25 from $15 and the false alarm fee increase to $100 from $75.
The board then forwarded the recommendation to the office of the city clerk/city solicitor for consideration.
Reason for increase
The hike in financial penalties reflects the increased cost to administer the bylaw and the cost of the service itself, a council report explained. Moreover, there are overhead costs to operate this bylaw, while a full-time employee with the Moose Jaw Police Service works 25 per cent of the time to handle the billing and administrative work for false alarms.
Statistical data
The police service provided city hall with statistics from the last three years about alarm registrations and responses to false alarms. The statistics show:
False alarm calls
- 2018: 308 calls
- 2019: 381 calls
- 2020: 236 calls
- Total: 925 false alarm calls
False alarm calls charged $75
- 2018: 94 calls
- 2019: 63 calls
- 2020: 101 calls
Number of new permits
- 2018: 513 new permits
- 2019: 343 new permits
- 2020: 139 new permits
The police service predicts that it will set up 350 to 400 permits this year, the report added.
Council discussion
“So often we have bylaws and we don’t have the resources to affect those bylaws. So I think it’s great that this includes what it will take … to be effective,” said Coun. Heather Eby.
The initial bylaw has reduced the number of false alarms to which police have responded, noted Coun. Crystal Froese. However, she wanted clarification on how the registration fee worked and how a false alarm affects that fee.
The Moose Jaw Police Service charges a registration fee of $15 to set up the system, then charges an annual $15 renewal fee, police spokeswoman Keri Taschuk explained by video. The agency allows for two false alarms within one year, but with further alarms – or alarms without permits – the police service suspends the permit and forces the business or homeowner to call a 1-900 number while also charging a $75 penalty.
By increasing the permit registration fee to $25 from $15, it will generate another $20,000 for the organization, Taschuk added.
“It’s (the bylaw) definitely working,” replied Froese. “It’s a good deterrent. It’s worthwhile.
The next executive committee meeting is Monday, April 12.
